On Thursday, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) officially put forward former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani as its candidate for the esteemed position of Senate chairman. This nomination, confirmed by a notification issued by Jamil Soomro, political secretary to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, follows an agreement between the PPP and PML-N.
According to the agreement, key positions such as the president, Senate chairman, and governorships of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were allotted to the PPP. Conversely, the PML-N secured roles like Senate deputy chairman, National Assembly speaker, and governorships of Sindh and Balochistan.
Presently, Gilani enjoys support from 24 PPP senators, 19 from PML-N, four from BAP, three from ANP, three independents, and one from the National Party, summing up to 54 in total. With the potential backing of three MQM-P and five JUI-F senators, his tally could reach 62, giving the ruling coalition’s nominee a comfortable lead in the election.
On the opposing front, the PTI holds the support of 20 senators, alongside one each from the BNP and PML-Q, totaling 22. Should the JUI-F align with the opposition, their combined strength would rise to 27 members.
Notably, the Senate election for 11 seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been postponed by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
If elected as Senate chairman, Gilani would achieve a remarkable milestone, having previously served as the National Assembly speaker and prime minister. The upcoming Senate session on April 9 marks the inaugural meeting of the new year, during which newly-elected members will take their oath. Given the recent appointment of Senator-elect Ishaq Dar as presiding officer, preparations are underway for the session.
This session marks the first time the Senate will convene without holding a formal poll in the assembly, resulting in an 11-member deficit. Despite no indication from the government regarding the timing of elections for the posts of Senate chairman and deputy chairman, there are no legal obstacles to conducting these elections following the oath-taking ceremony.
